TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g feta cheese - 400g cherry tomatoes - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Feta cheese is the star of this dish. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor when baked. Their juices mix with the feta, creating a rich sauce. Olive oil adds depth and helps everything cook evenly. - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. Dried oregano adds a touch of earthiness. Red pepper flakes bring a little heat. Adjust the flakes based on your spice level. Salt and black pepper enhance all these flavors. - 300g penne pasta - Optional garnish ingredients: fresh basil leaves, zest of 1 lemon Penne pasta is great for this dish. Its shape holds the creamy sauce well. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and flavor. Lemon zest brightens the dish and balances the richness. You can skip it, but I highly recommend it! 1. Preheat oven: Start by setting your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key for getting the feta and tomatoes nice and warm. 2. Arrange feta and tomatoes: In a medium baking dish, place the feta cheese in the center. Next, surround it with cherry tomatoes. This gives a lovely look and taste to your dish. 1. Baking time and signs of readiness: Bake the dish for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta gets soft and gooey, and the tomatoes burst open. This makes a delicious sauce. 2. Mixing after baking: Once out of the oven, use a fork to mix the feta and tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. 1. Boiling instructions: While the feta and tomatoes bake, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. 2. Reserving pasta water: Before you drain the pasta, save one cup of the starchy water. This helps adjust the sauce for the perfect texture. - Choosing the right feta: Use block feta, not crumbled. Block feta melts better and gives a creamy texture. Look for high-quality feta made from sheep's milk for a rich flavor. - Achieving the ideal creaminess: Bake the feta until soft and gooey. The heat warms the cheese, making it melt perfectly. Mixing it with cherry tomatoes creates a smooth sauce. - Tips for al dente texture: Cook the penne until it has a slight bite. Follow the package instructions and taste it a minute before the time is up. - Using the right size pot: Choose a large pot for boiling. This allows the pasta to move freely, preventing it from sticking together. - Modifying spice levels: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your taste. Start with a small pinch, then add more if you like heat. - Enhancing with fresh ingredients: Add fresh basil or lemon zest before serving. These ingredients brighten the dish and add freshness. {{image_4}} You can get creative with the cheeses in this dish. Instead of feta, try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese also works well for a richer texture. You can mix and match cheese types according to your taste. Adding seasonal vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Consider tossing in zucchini or bell peppers. These veggies add color and crunch. Roasted eggplant is another tasty option, especially in summer. For a vegan version, use plant-based feta. Many brands offer great dairy-free options. You can also replace pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a low-carb choice. If gluten is a concern, opt for gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or quinoa pasta are excellent alternatives. They taste great and hold the sauce well. Pair this dish with a fresh salad. A simple arugula salad adds a nice peppery flavor. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. For meal prep, consider making a big batch. Store portions in airtight containers. Reheat them for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy this dish warm, as it tastes best fresh! To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep out moisture and air. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing it tight. If you have leftovers, try to eat them within 3-4 days for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, scoop it into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot over low heat for even warming. You can add a splash of water to help revive the sauce. In the fridge, baked feta pasta lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it keeps for about 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see mold or smell anything off, it’s best to toss it. TikTok Baked Feta Pasta is a viral recipe that took social media by storm. It features a block of feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes. People love how easy and tasty it is. The feta turns creamy, mixing well with the tomatoes. This dish looks beautiful and tastes even better. All you need is a few simple ingredients, and you’re set for a delicious meal. You can make this recipe ahead of time, but the texture changes. The feta may lose some creaminess after it cools. The tomatoes may also become less juicy. To keep the best flavor, I suggest making it fresh. If you do prepare it in advance, store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the oven to bring back some of its original charm. You can easily adjust the heat level to your taste. Use less red pepper flakes for a mild dish. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chili or hot sauce for extra heat. This way, you can make it just how you like it! Enjoy the flavors that suit your palate. This blog post covered everything you need for baked feta pasta. We explored main ingredients like feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, discussed essential seasonings, and provided detailed preparation steps. I also shared tips for perfect pasta and offered variations for different diets. Remember to store leftovers correctly to enjoy this dish later. You can customize the spice levels and try different cheeses too. With these insights, you'll create a tasty and satisfying meal that pleases everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun experimenting!$

Discover the ultimate creamy baked feta pasta delight that will impress your taste buds! This simple recipe combines rich feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne for a dish that's both comforting and delicious. In just 40 minutes, you can create a vibrant meal topped with fresh basil and a zesty hint of lemon. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your dinner table!

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Ingredients

200g feta cheese

400g cherry tomatoes

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

300g penne pasta

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but recommended for added brightness)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

In a medium baking dish, place the block of feta cheese right in the center, and generously arrange the cherry tomatoes around it for a colorful presentation.

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta cheese and cherry tomatoes to infuse them with flavor. Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper over everything.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta is soft and gooey, and the cherry tomatoes have burst open, releasing their juices.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.

Once the feta and tomatoes are finished baking, use a fork to gently mix them together in the baking dish, creating a creamy, rich sauce.

Add the drained penne pasta directly to the baking dish and mix everything together thoroughly. If the resulting sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Taste the delightful mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Serve the creamy pasta warm and top each portion with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh, zesty finish.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4